clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

1

: the shell of a clam

2

a

: a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws

b

: an excavating machine having a clamshell

c

: either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other

d

: a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam

Examples of clamshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The clamshell design and oversized durable zippers made packing easy, and the water-resistant fabric was dependable in harsher weather conditions. —Donna Kim, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025

The wraps were sold under the brand names Big Y Quick Easy Meals and Market 32 by Price Chopper. (iStock) Both items come in a 10-ounce clear plastic clamshell package with a sell-by date of May 7 and the lot code of 25122. —Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025

The products were contained in clamshell packages and several bulk packaging sizes. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Back in the original clamshell packaging or container is fine. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clamshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• cogswell
• compel
• dispel

Kids Definition

clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

: the shell of a clam